3 Resolutions More Mamas Should NOT Make

You've probably got big plans for 2019, right?

We know, we know... New Year's Resolutions are so 1985. Every fitness influencer on Instagram is telling us how they're not into resolutions anymore.

Resolutions might not be cool but self-improvement is the new black - after all, social media is 98% self-help memes, isn't it? It's just not cool to frame your self-improvement in archaic and somewhat arbitrary customs like the change of the year. It's so much more millennial to "set intentions" or declare things one WON'T do in the new year. 💁‍♀️🍅 Tomato, tomahto.

However you're phrasing your goals for 2019, we know you've got some.

Here are 3 Resolutions we wish more Mamas would STOP making.

1. I am going to lose the baby weight.

Listen, we're not suggesting the patriarchy has indoctrinated you to think you need to lose weight, but the patriarchy has indoctrinated you to think you need to lose weight. All of life is a continuum of change and NEVER in life do we go "backward," so why do we expect to go backward in postpartum as if we never had a baby in the first place. But wait! I want to keep THE BABY, I just want to look as if it never happened in the first place. Um, no. If you can find an exercise program you like and eat delicious, homemade foods most of the time, plus maybe sleep and drink some water, you're going to find your gorgeous, healthiest self staring back at you in the mirror. And she might look different from your pre-baby self. But she has A BABY. So there.

2. I am going to run a marathon.

This resolution may be right for you if you are already a runner doing long distances, have a perfectly functioning pelvic floor & healthy joints, and have the free time to schedule several hours of running plus a few hours of strength, mobility, rehabilitation and recovery work every. single. week. A marathon is an Olympic sport... but in the 21st century it's become a badge of honour. If you want to marathon, marathon it up. If you're doing it because you think you'll drop pounds or it's the only way to be "fit," here's your free pass to dial it back to a 5K or ditch running altogether if you don't absolutely love it. There are LOTS of ways to get fit, do cardio and feel light on your feet.

3. I am going to do a detox.

Aaaaargh. It shouldn't come as a surprise that we're not pro-diet around here. But what really drives us batty are diets masquerading as health practices or - worse - pseudo-medical methods. We've done ALLLL the vegan, paleo, gluten-free, intermittent fasting, surviving only on unicorn tears stuff in our many younger and less confident years, and we've learned this: In the long run, some foods feel good and some foods feel less good for each individual body. Do you need croissants for breakfast, lunch, dinner? Probably not. Do you need to go entirely gluten-free? Also probably not. Whether it's a detox, a Whole30, or a "challenge," if it restricts your eating and your doctor didn't recommend it specifically based on your body's unique biology and symptoms, it's a diet. It's designed to sell books, sell supplements, sell sponsorships, or otherwise make money off your desire to feel better about your body. *spoiler: your feelings about your body have nothing to do with gluten.*

And one we should ALL make:

Whatever your personal goals are, the best way to make change in your life is not to "resolve" for an end point like "run a marathon" or "lose 20 pounds." The best way to make change in your life is to resolve to make do-able, incremental changes in your life.

👉🏼 Might we suggest: Scheduling in do-able, fun, confidence-building and core-strengthening workouts in just 10 minutes a day?

If you've been trying to build a workout habit, this is the perfect way to start. If you're already a seasoned gym-goer, this is the perfect way to complement your gym sessions without adding stress or taking away from family time.